NAFDAC Unleashes Certified Drug Database in Nigeria, Cracks Down on Counterfeits

Infostride News, a prominent source of information, reports that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has embarked on a pivotal initiative to ensure the safety of pharmaceuticals in Nigeria. This initiative involves the unveiling of a comprehensive database, aptly named the ‘NAFDAC Green Book,’ which contains detailed information on 6,432 registered pharmaceutical products. The primary objective of this database is to empower the public with easy online access, enabling them to verify the authenticity of drugs.

Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director General of NAFDAC, officially launched the ‘NAFDAC Green Book’ during a media parley, underscoring the agency’s unwavering commitment to eliminating the sale and consumption of unwholesome pharmaceutical products within the country.

In a bid to enforce this commitment, NAFDAC’s enforcement directorate took decisive action by executing the destruction of 135 truckloads of fake, counterfeit, and spurious products. Additionally, damaged or expired products voluntarily submitted by stakeholders were included in this initiative. The estimated street value of the destroyed products reached an astounding N16 billion, reflecting the scale of the agency’s efforts to rid the market of substandard pharmaceuticals.

Adeyeye provided valuable information regarding the accessibility of the ‘NAFDAC Green Book’ to the public, stating that it would be available from January of the following year. Individuals can use their Android mobile phones to easily verify any drug of their choice, marking a significant step towards enhancing transparency and promoting consumer safety in the pharmaceutical sector.

As part of NAFDAC’s ongoing efforts to bolster drug safety and local manufacturing capacity, Adeyeye highlighted the recent prequalification of the Central Drug Control Laboratory (CDCL) in Yaba, Lagos State, by the World Health Organization (WHO). The construction of this state-of-the-art laboratory cost NAFDAC N4.5 billion, signifying a monumental achievement in Nigeria’s pursuit of enhanced drug safety and increased local manufacturing capacity.

The Director General shed light on the agency’s relentless endeavors to combat the sale of adulterated pharmaceutical products. The Investigation and Enforcement Directorate spearheaded joint inspection, seizure, and destruction exercises across various states. Adeyeye attributed the proliferation of fake drugs to the challenging economic climate, which has facilitated the production and sale of substandard products. Despite these challenges, she expressed optimism about Nigeria’s achievements, citing a commendable 35 percent local manufacturing capacity for essential drugs.

With the prequalification of the Yaba laboratory and ongoing efforts to attain WHO Maturity Level 4, Adeyeye anticipates a substantial boost in local manufacturing capacity for pharmaceutical products. This development aligns with NAFDAC’s overarching goal of ensuring a robust and self-sufficient pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria.

However, amidst these achievements, NAFDAC faces challenges in the digitalization of its processes. Recognizing the importance of staying abreast of technological advancements, the agency is actively seeking assistance from developed countries to enhance its digital capabilities and streamline its operations.

Adeyeye also unveiled plans to phase out the production and sale of alcohol in sachets by January 2024. This forward-looking decision underscores NAFDAC’s commitment to evolving regulations and standards in response to societal needs. Acknowledging the need for increased staffing and ongoing training initiatives, NAFDAC remains steadfast in maintaining high standards and safeguarding public health.

In summary, NAFDAC’s introduction of the ‘NAFDAC Green Book’ and its subsequent initiatives demonstrate a concerted effort to ensure drug safety, enhance transparency, and promote consumer confidence in the pharmaceutical sector. As the agency continues to achieve milestones and address challenges, its commitment to fostering a robust and self-sufficient pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria remains unwavering. Infostride News will closely monitor developments in this critical area and provide updates as the story unfolds.